Life as a House

source: Life as a House

I enjoyed this flick and felt it over all met its mark. Life is to be lived because you never know when those who you love may be having to exit it. I hated the crummy and cheap women who aggressively pursued the teen age boys. The old woman should be ashamed of herself and maybe arrested? The teenage daughter attempted to shower and get her hands into the young co-star's pants from the get go? Are women that easy? I guess things have changed since I was young. The pill has made women go wild. But, other than these cheese side plots, I felt the transformations many of the principle characters went through was inspirational.

Did I see right? Someone this was one of 2001's best films??? Huh? I thought it was a sappy, predictable "Terms of Endearment" rip-off. What was Kevin Kline thinking? I'm giving it a 'generous' 4 out of 10 only becuase of the young supporting cast which was the only redemming thing about this movie.

Life As A House is one of my favourite drama films I've ever seen. I think it is one of the best drama films since Ordinary People (1980). I rented this movie only to see Hayden Christensen. I didn't expect the movie to be so touching. What I like is that it is heart touching, but not over dramatic. The movie not only shows Sam, a troubled teenager, transformation to an adult, but the whole community transforms. The acting was very natural. I'm not a fan of Hayden Christensen's acting but his portrayal of a troubled teenager growing up couldn't have been better. I recommend this movie to anybody who enjoys light dramas. If your a fan of movies like the Garden State, you will definitely enjoy this.

I'm not going to deny any relation to American Beauty. It almost seems like this movie is going by a "flawed family formula". But this holds its own. It is very realistic, especially the father-son relationship. Hayden Christiansen's scenes are always fun to watch. B+, 8/10

Is that really Star Wars boy? Oh my gosh...IT IS! He's actually really cute!....... And who knew, he can also act! This is a touching story of a dysfunctional son who has one summer left to "bond" with his dying father, all while building their dream house. I was skeptical about this movie and though predictable at times, I was surprised at how good it was and how much I really felt for the characters in the end. Worth watching. 8/10

If you enjoy movies that involve compassion which also have a great sound-track, look no further! This may very well be one of the best movies ever made! The music is great and the acting is perfect. If you like a good cry, look no further! Don't get me wrong, although there are many sad moments that will almost RIP your heart out, I promise that your heart will be RESTORED in better condition than it began because of the wonderful uplifting conclusion! I know that the title sounds stupid, as I almost avoided giving this movie a chance for that very reason. Please do not listen to the nay sayers! Check out the material they endorse and you will most likely find that their compassion in movies is something other than heart-felt! (Notice: There are many situations that involve the suggestion of sex, and some language that you may find objectional or object to allowing young children to hear).

Life as a House is one of those few touching dramas that really makes you wanna go back and watch repeatedly, and just hug everyone involved in making this film during the process. For Kevin Kline gives such a moving and genuine performance, you just can't help but feel for his character. Also, Hayden Christiensen, in his pre-Star Wars days truly shines as a... well, Emo youngster that really wants to be loved, and Jena Malone makes you wanna be young again just so you can fall in love with her character. With such unique talents and a straight-forward message of love and lust for life, this film is an underrated lost gem in the early cinematic years of the 2000's. If you haven't seen it yet, Life as a House is a delight you can't afford to miss. 10/10

This is a great and important film that should not be missed by serious film goers. Kevin Kline does an outstanding and believable job as an emotional father with a terminal disease. His father son relationship is the vital pivot upon which the movie rests. However, the interplay between husband and wife, and man and neighbors and girlfriend and boyfriend is equally as important. This movie is on DVD and is worth the Kleenex.

Simply spectacular. Every thing about this movie was wonderful. Kevin Kline, Kristin Scott Thomas and the entire cast were wonderful. The story is wonderful. You will laugh and cry and enjoy yourself to the limit. A movie that will make you think about life and how wonderful it can be and how short it can be. A pure joy and we believe an Oscar nomination for the film and Kevin Kline. Wow!